I am contending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am contending" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are asserting or arguing a point in a discussion or debate. Example: "In this paper, I am contending that climate change is the most pressing issue of our time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Hopefully I'll be able to stick with that and be consistently contending because I know if I am contending I can win.

The Guardian - Sport

I am contending with a variety of reactions, and consequently with a single brush on the touch pad I flee upward into the atmosphere and at once have in my sights the physical planet, submarine wrinkles and all — have the option, if so moved, to go anywhere.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I'm contending now.

The New York Times - Sports

Now I'm starting to get closer and closer and I'm contending a lot more late on Sundays".

The New York Times - Sports

He added, "That's the one area of the game I feel if I can get it back to the level I know it can be at, I'll be contending for tournament titles again and I'll be back at the level where I'm contending to win golf tournaments week in and week out".

The New York Times - Sports

Hopefully it won't be long before I'm contending in majors and having a chance to win those again".

BBC

I was contending with late season tourists on beach bikes and spandex covered cyclists for 24 inches of pavement.

Huffington Post

"It meant a lot to have worked so hard for so long and to finally be back in a position where I'm contending every race," Vonn said.

Los Angeles Times

As I have indicated, it is contended that this interpretation is supported by the negotiating history.

The Guardian

Did it frighten her? "I suppose I have been contending with issues surrounding my safety and security for years".

The Guardian

Behavioural intention, it is contended, then results in action [ 44].

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your audience; "I am contending" may be more suitable for academic or professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "I am contending" in casual conversations; opt for simpler alternatives like "I think" or "I believe" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am contending" functions as a performative utterance, directly stating the speaker's act of asserting or arguing a point. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I am contending" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for asserting an argument or dealing with a situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral or formal contexts, as demonstrated by its prevalence in news and media. For informal settings, consider simpler alternatives like "I think" or "I believe". This phrase serves as a clear declaration of one's position, inviting further discussion or defense of the stated viewpoint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am arguing

Replaces 'contending' with 'arguing', focusing on the act of presenting a case or reason.

I am asserting

Replaces 'contending' with 'asserting', emphasizing a confident and forceful statement.

I am maintaining

Replaces 'contending' with 'maintaining', highlighting the act of holding a belief or position.

I am claiming

Replaces 'contending' with 'claiming', focusing on asserting a right or fact.

I am dealing with

Shifts the focus to managing or handling a situation rather than a specific argument.

I am grappling with

Highlights a struggle or difficulty in handling something, replacing the neutral 'contending'.

I am facing

Emphasizes the act of confronting or dealing with a challenge or situation.

I am positing

Replaces 'contending' with 'positing', suggesting a formal or academic presentation of an idea.

I am submitting

Suggests offering an idea or argument for consideration or judgment.

I am putting forward

Emphasizes the act of presenting an idea or argument for discussion or consideration.

FAQs

What does "I am contending" mean?

The phrase "I am contending" means that you are asserting, arguing, or dealing with something, often a point of view or a challenge. It indicates that you are taking a position and defending it.

What can I say instead of "I am contending"?

You can use alternatives like "I am arguing", "I am asserting", or "I am maintaining" depending on the context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in emphasis.

Is "I am contending" formal or informal?

The phrase "I am contending" leans towards the formal side. It's suitable for academic, professional, or written contexts where a more assertive or argumentative tone is appropriate. In informal settings, simpler alternatives might be more suitable.

How to use "I am contending" in a sentence?

You can use "I am contending" to introduce a statement that you believe to be true and that you are prepared to defend. For example, "I am contending that this policy change will negatively impact employee morale".